Tribal Recognition Rumors Stirring

Rumors that President Clinton might issue an executive order to grant federal recognition to some Indian tribes before he leaves office have prompted expressions of concern from Connecticut officials.

But political insiders said such an action would be unprecedented and inconceivable, and Marvin Fast, a spokesman for U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn., said Clinton's staff had assured Dodd's aides that an executive order was not pending.

``These rumors are flying fast and freely,'' Fast said Friday, ``and people should take a step back.''

Concern over recognition of Indian tribes and their plans to build casinos has become widespread in Connecticut.

Kevin Gover, who heads the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, was condemned by state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and local officials in eastern Connecticut for granting preliminary recognition last spring to the Eastern Pequots and the Paucatuck Eastern Pequots. Gover's action was contrary to the recommendations of his staff, who said neither tribe met all of the seven mandatory criteria for recognition.

This summer and fall, forums on Indian recognition drew standing-room-only crowds in Kent, where the Schaghticoke Indians have a reservation, and in the Bridgeport area, where the Golden Hill Paugussetts want to build a casino. Both tribes have recognition petitions pending, and the Paugussetts were once represented by Gover, who is leaving the bureau at the end of the month.

Last week, Blumenthal sent a letter to the White House expressing alarm over the rumors that Clinton might recognize tribes by executive order, ``thereby circumventing the established administrative process.''